Critics of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay

Critics of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is considered by many to be the greatest American novel ever written. Despite this praise, Mark Twain’s masterpiece has never been without criticism. Upon its inception it was blasted for being indecent literature for young readers because of its lack of morals and contempt for conformity. Modern indignation toward Huck Finn arises from its racist undertones, most notably Twain’s treatment of the character Jim. As is the case with many canonized yet controversial books, the biggest conflict revolves around the inclusion of Huck Finn on required reading lists of public schools throughout the country. In general, the mostly African-American†¦show more content†¦He quotes Kafka as saying a book’s purpose is to â€Å"serve as the axe for the frozen sea within us† and to Lester, Huck Finn is the frozen sea, immoral and demeaning in its treatment of black history. Lester is offended by the parallel that Twain draws between Huck’s imprisonment at the hands of an abusive father and the actual institution of slavery that binds Jim. By drawing this comparison, he argues that Twain is applying a veneer to obscure the horrors of slavery and therefore evading responsibility and remorse for the crime. The legal ownership of human beings is not in the same ballpark as child abuse and by placing them side-by-side, Twain shows that he doesn’t take slavery or black people seriously. He goes on to argue that Jim’s childlike nature is not only offensive but also lacking in credibility. Are we to believe that a runaway slave wouldn’t know that freedom was as close as the banks of Illinois all along and that he would actually travel south into the heart of southern slavery? And is it likely that a white woman would’ve freed a slave suspected of killing a white child? Even in his moments of heroism, Jim is an objectionable character. When he risks recapture in aiding the doctor tending to Tom’s gunshot wound, Jim is embodying the archetypal â€Å"good nigger† who lacks self-respect, dignity, and a sense of self separate from what whites want from him. He is merely a plaything that Tom and Huck use to inspireShow MoreRelatedMark Twain : Seeing America s Flaws1593 Words   |  7 PagesTwain: Seeing America’s Flaws â€Å"You don’t know about me, without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer , but that ain’t no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain and he told the truth, mainly. There was things he stretched, but mainly he told the truth† (qtd. in Jones 237). That was the very first line in Mark Twain’s controversial book, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Samuel L. Clemens, as a young boy, grew up on the Mississippi and learned the ways of southern societyRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain1675 Words   |  7 PagesThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Ernest Hemingway once stated, â€Å"All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. American writing comes from that. There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since.† Accordingly, Hemingway believes that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Huckleberry Finn) is an iconic book that sets the stage for all other American literature in the future. In any case, three reasons why Huckleberry Finn is one of the greatestRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn 1648 Words   |  7 PagesLola Parsapour Mr. Ruddy AP Lang 3 September 2015 The Value in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, written by Mark Twain, developed into one of the most controversial books in America. The basis of this controversy can be summarized briefly for it was the use of racial slur and issues of slavery that caused tension in our society. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was banned for the first time one month after its publication. â€Å"â€Å"Not suitable for trash† was theRead More The Public Reception of Mark Twains Adventures of Huckleberry Finn963 Words   |  4 Pagesof Mark Twains Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Upon its publication in 1884, Mark Twains Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was met with mixed reviews. Some reviewers called it flat, trashy, and irreverent. Others called it Twains best work yet, hailing his humor and style throughout the novel. Though obscure at first, reviews began to appear in many newspapers throughout the country as more and more became interested in the novel as a result of these reviews. Huckleberry Finn was published atRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn And Its Characterization951 Words   |  4 PagesBouchey Eng. Hon. 2nd 3 March 2016 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and its Characterization In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, there is a large use of characterization to develop the characters and is influenced by the time period. Mark Twain was born in 1835, and lived to see the Civil War start. This is a big influence on his writing, because his two most famous works, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. They both take place in the time beforeRead MoreMark Twain s The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn1216 Words   |  5 Pagesfully human.† Mark Twain supports this belief when he composed his novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In the aftermath of the American Civil War, the institution of slavery and American Southern culture was not well understood internationally. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn conveys Southern culture and the social attitudes toward slavery through the plot of a young white runaway boy named Huckleberry Finn helping a runaway slave named Jim escape to free territory by traveling do wn theRead MoreLiterary Criticism Of Huckleberry Finn831 Words   |  4 PagesAdventures of Huckleberry Finn is a historically significant novel by Mark Twain that should not be considered the greatest novel of American literature. The effect of Tom Sawyer’s reappearance and how the â€Å"evasion† chapters jeopardized the whole novel both lessened the worth of Huckleberry Finn. While it can be noted that Huck’s moral development, the setting, and the original style of the novel all show why it is a currently a central document of American literature and taught extensively in schoolsRead MoreArgumentative Essay Huck Finn958 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ Argumentative Essay: Should The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn be taught in school? Daniel Perez Period 1 10/30/14 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel based on the journey Huck, a young boy with an abusive father, and Jim, a runaway slave, have down the Mississippi River to Free states for an end goal of freedom. Freedom means different things to both of them, to Huck freedom means to be able to do what he wants and not be â€Å"sivilized†, while Jim’s definition of freedom isRead MoreThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Research Paper1649 Words   |  7 PagesSince its first publication in 1884, Mark Twain’s masterpiece The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has proven to be one of history’s most controversial novels; especially recently, the novel has often been banned by schools and censored by libraries. Characters in the book are constantly using disparaging language toward slaves, and the repeated use of the word â€Å"nigger† makes many sensitive and offended. Critics denounce the novel and Mark Twain as racist for this word being insulting and poli ticallyRead More Mark Twain a Racist? Absolutely not!1597 Words   |  7 PagesCelebrating its 135th anniversary this year, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic of American literature and is read by millions across the nation every year. However, many claim that the book promotes and endorses the heinous act of racism. In their attacks on the classic, many of the book’s critics employ evidence such as the use of the n-word 211 times (Powers, 2010) and the novel’s repeated inferior depiction of African-Americans. Many supporters of the novel, though

The Mask Of The Red Death By Edgar Allen Poe - 1983 Words

Edgar Allen Poe is one of the most renowned writers of the nineteenth century in America. Poe will forever be a part of the literary world with such works as â€Å"The Mask Of the Red Death†,† The Tale-Tell Heart†, and â€Å"The Pit and the Pendulum.† Poe’s imagination was one that could conjure up all manner of devilish obstacles for a reader to mentally envision. Poe will forever be remembered as a writer of dark literature, with themes of death, insanity, and the supernatural. The challenges that Poe encountered during his life really help shaped his destiny. Poe continually had to work to overcome obstacles; many of the obstacles were of his own making. He was born January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the second child of two†¦show more content†¦Poe left the University and looked for employment where he could find it. Poe did not have any skills or education to help him. Poe enlisted in the Army for two years and served in the U.S Army Artillery with assignments in Fort Independence in Boston, Massachusetts, Fort Moultrie in South Carolina, and Fortress Monroe in Virginia (SP 330). Poe had more actual, hands-on, professional military experience than any other writer in our history (SP.329). He later applied to West Point to become a cadet with the help of Allen. Poe once again pleaded with Allen for financial support, but Allen turned him down. Poe was an exemplary student, but only lasted two semesters. He was expelled because he continually ignored his duties and broke the rules. Poe and Allen would not reconcile their differences before Allen’s death in 1834. After leaving the academy, Poe, a struggling writer, found himself moving around a lot. He was in New York City, Richmond, Philadelphia, but finally stayed in Baltimore from 1831 to 1835. He was focusing full time on his writing, and trying to make a career as an editor and a l iterary critic. He was known to be quite cutthroat in his reviews. Poe even called fellow literary giant Henry Wadsworth Longfellow a plagiarist. In 1835 Poe returned to Richmond. Poe’s drinking and his quick temper made it hard for him to stay employed in one place for very long, actually

Chromosomal Disorder Free Essays

1. Turner syndrome: (X instead of XX or XY). In Turner syndrome, female sexual characteristics are present but underdeveloped. We will write a custom essay sample on Chromosomal Disorder or any similar topic only for you Order Now People with Turner syndrome often have a short stature, low hairline, abnormal eye features and bone development and a â€Å"caved-in† appearance to the chest. Description: Turner syndrome (TS) occurs when one of the two X chromosomes in females is either missing or incomplete. The most common symptoms are short stature and gonadal dysgenesis, which can cause incomplete sexual development and ovarian failure and infertility. As of right now, there is no known cause of TS. 2. Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY): Description Men with Klinefelter syndrome are usually sterile, and tend to have longer arms and legs and to be taller than their peers. Boys with the syndrome are often shy and quiet, and have a higher incidence of speech delay and dyslexia. During puberty, without testosterone treatment, some of them may develop gynecomastia. 3. Patau Syndrome: also called D-Syndrome or trisomy-13. Symptoms are somewhat similar to those of trisomy-18, but they do not have the characteristic hand shape Description: Trisomy 13, also called Patau syndrome, is a disorder in which an individual has three copies of genetic material from chromosome 13, rather than two. It can occur in three forms: Trisomy 13, which has a third chromosome 13 in all cells; Trisomy 13 mosaicism, which has a third chromosome 13 in some cells; and partial Trisomy, which has the presence of part of an extra chromosome 13 in the cells. 4. Down syndrome: Description usually is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). Characteristics include decreased muscle tone, stockier build, asymmetrical skull, slanting eyes and mild to moderate mental retardation. 5. Edwards syndrome: Description which is the second-most-common trisomy; Down syndrome is the most common. It is a trisomy of chromosome 18. Symptoms include mental and motor retardation and numerous congenital anomalies causing serious health problems. Ninety percent die in infancy; however, those that live past their first birthday usually are quite healthy thereafter. Some symptoms include clenched hands, feet with a rounded bottom, mental deficiency, underdeveloped fingernails, and an unusual shaped chest. 6. Cat eye syndrome: Description: For individuals with cat eye syndrome, the short arm (known as 22p) and a small region of the long arm (22q) of chromosome 22 are present three or four times, rather than twice. Characteristic features of the disorder include mild growth delays before birth, mild mental deficiency, and malformations of the skill and facial region, the heart, the kidneys, and/or the anal region. 7. Williams Syndrome: Description: Williams syndrome is caused by a deletion of genetic material from portions of the long arm of chromosome 7, a region that consists of more than 25 genes. Researchers have identified a few of the specific genes related to Williams syndrome, but the relationship between most of the genes in the deleted region and the symptoms of Williams syndrome is still unknown. The most common symptoms of Williams syndrome are mental retardation, heart defects, and unusual facial features ,small upturned nose, wide mouth, full lips, small chin, widely spaced teeth . Angelman syndrome: Description: Angelman syndrome (AS) is an example of genomic imprinting, where the deletion or inactivation of genes on the maternally inherited chromosome 15 causes the paternal copy, which may be of normal sequence, to be imprinted and silenced. AS is characterized by intellectual and developmental delays, sleep disturbances, seizures, and jerky movements, but also frequent laughte r or smiling and usually have a happy demeanor How to cite Chromosomal Disorder, Papers

Out of Africa vs Multiregional Theory free essay sample

Out of Africa vs. Multiregional Paleoanthropologists have been searching for decades, looking for signs of early human life throughout Africa Asia and Europe, trying to find clues that tell them where the human race originated. These scientists have found overwhelming evidence of early human life across different continents, but are always working to attempt to explain what they have discovered, and try to piece together the earliest signs of human civilization. Two main theories have emerged related to the origin of our ancestors, the Out of Africa Theory and the Multiregional Theory (Ember, Ember, amp; Peregrine, 2009, p. 163). Both theories have merit, and evidence to back them up, causing controversial debate between Anthropologists. Each theory has its own support group and many varying theories surrounding them (Nei, 1991, p. 6720). The genetic backing of the Out of Africa Theory strongly supports the legitimacy of the theory, and provides evidence that it is a legitimate theory of how modern humans came to populate the earth. To be more specific, the Out of Africa Theory deals with looking at DNA samples to link people from around the world to difference ancestors (Thorne amp; Wolpoff, 2003). This was seen in the movie, The Human Family Tree, by examining DNA through cheek swabs of various people who originated from across the globe, but were found in Queens, New York. Researchers found that overall our DNA is about 99% identical, regardless of where our more recent ancestors may have come from. This is due to a common female and male ancestor that scientists believe every person alive is related to. These people are called Scientific Adam and Scientific Eve, and are both hypothetical humans who originated in Africa, and lived around 200,000 years ago and 100,000 years ago, respectively (Ember, Ember, amp; Peregrine, 2009, p. 163). Scientific Adam and Eve would be the genetic link for all currently living humans, such that mtDNA from Eve would be the same as mtDNA found in modern humans across the globe, passed on through the mother for generations. It also means that males pass on their Y chromosome, which can be linked to Scientific Adam, as recently as 100,000 years ago (Nei, 1991, p. 6721). The movie discussed the long-term early human civilizations in East Africa, dating back to around 200,000 years, which is the source of all current human life (Geographic, 2009). These early humans would be the ones to travel slowly throughout the continents, populating larger and larger areas of the planet. Slowly but surely, these early humans made their way into Asia, Australia and Europe, leaving behind evidence of their migration as they went (Nei, 1991, p. 6720). Although it is hard to imagine a population moving hundreds of thousands of miles, The Human Family Tree, was able to offer some explanation. The move did not simply happen all at one time, or even within generations. Anthropologists discussed the possibility of each group moving a small distance further than their direct ancestors, creating a slow move, often along coast lines, which unfortunately would leave little evidence on land (Geographic, 2009). The major support from this theory comes from genetic findings, which link the DNA of all modern humans, despite ethnic background and ancestral tracking (Nei, 1991, p. 6720). This evidence shows that although humans come from many different countries, across various continents, we all share extremely similar DNA, and various minute changes in our genetic code can help link people to various tracks of early human migration (Geographic, 2009). Although evidence of other similar species were found throughout various continents, single-origin theorist believe that H. sapiens replaced them due to a type of biological or cultural advantage (Ember, Ember, amp; Peregrine, 2009, p. 163). The movie, The Human Family Tree, also discusses that H. apiens may have been more able to handle environmental changes, than other species, leading to the extinction of one species, such as Neanderthals (Geographic, 2009). There is also debate as to whether or not H. sapiens may have interbred with Neandertahl populations, but no solid genetic evidence has been found to support the interaction (Nei, 1991, p. 6721). Although there is genetic evidence to support the single-origin theory, anthropologists who believe in the Multiregional Theory have argued that genetic evidence is flawed, and not strong enough to prove anything in regards to the single-origin theory. Although this may have been true in earlier studies, current findings are significantly more reliable, and have found similar evidence (Ember, Ember, amp; Peregrine, 2009, p. 163). The Multiregional Theory is the idea that early hominids, such as H. erectus, and archaic H. sapiens had already populated the world, and independently evolved after already being established in different locations (Ember, Ember, amp; Peregrine, 2009, p. 163). This is a logical assumption, due to many anatomical similarities between many of the early hominid species to modern humans. Many multiregional supporters also use the genetic evidence to their advantage by claiming it only proves that H. erectus is a common ancestor who migrated from Africa, which is a logical claim (Ember, Ember, amp; Peregrine, 2009, p. 164). It is hard to pinpoint what exact species the mtDNA or Y chromosome came from, if one were to argue that modern H. sapiens evolved from H. erectus at some point in our evolutionary history. However, if H. sapiens evolved from H. erectus after some time and migration, it still seems that it would be considered a single source of our genetics, which can be traced back to Africa. Many multiregional theorists also argue that there is no sign of an invasion in any of the civilizations that have been found. However, this is counteracted by the idea that other species such as Neanderthals were simply not equipped for the environmental changes, and were killed off by natural selection (Thorne amp; Wolpoff, 2003, p. 50). On top of the single-origin and multiregional ideas, there are theories that allow for intermixing of various ideas from each theory, to create an intermediate theory. It allows for wiggle room between the more strict ideas of the other theories, and accepts that there could have been replacement, interbreeding and natural causes that all caused the evolution to modern humans. This is supported by the study of body lice, of which there is only species, with two lineages, one found worldwide and one is strictly found in the Americas. This suggests that these lice were passed on from more archaic species to modern humans (Ember, Ember, amp; Peregrine, 2009, p. 165). In conclusion, the controversy that is found when researching the origins of modern humans is both necessary and reasonable. Without controversial ideas, we would be unable to learn new things about our ancestry, and the thousands of years of evolution that have brought H. sapiens sapiens to their current place in time. Although there seems to be no specific answer, evidence for the Out of Africa Theory proves to be strong in scientific significance and logic, however, the idea of an intermediate theory brings about allowance of the merging of the two theories, to create a larger picture of the evolution of our species. The research done throughout the movie The Human Family Tree has proven our incredible genetic similarities to all humans, regardless of our specific identified race, ethnicity or ancestry. The research provides fascinating insight into the true origin of modern humans, and will hopefully lead to further evidence as far as how we came to populate the entire earth, after starting in one location in Africa.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT By Huy Luong The Debate Over The Merits Of Capital

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT By Huy Luong The Debate over the merits of capital punishment has endured for years, and continues to be an extremely indecisive and complicated issue. Adversaries of capital punishment point to the Marshalls and the Millgards, while proponents point to the Dahmers and Gacys. Society must be kept safe from the monstrous barbaric acts of these individuals and other killers, by taking away their lives to function and perform in our society. At the same time, we must insure that innocent people such as Marshall and Millgard are never convicted or sentenced to death for a crime that they did not commit. Many contend that the use of capital punishment as a form of deterrence does not work, as there are no fewer murders on a per- capita basis in countries or states that do have it, then those that do not. In order for capital punishment to work as a deterrence, certain events must be present in the criminal's mind prior to committing the offence. The cri minal must be aware that others have been punished in the past for the offence that he or she is planning, and that what happened to another individual who committed this offence, can also happen to me. But individuals who commit any types of crime ranging from auto theft to 1st-Degree Murder, never take into account the consequences of their actions. Deterrence to crime, is rooted in the individuals themselves. Every human has a personal set of conduct. How much they will and will not tolerate. How far they will and will not go. This personal set of conduct can be made or be broken by friends, influences, family, home, life, etc. An individual who is never taught some sort of restraint as a child, will probably never understand any limit as to what they can do, until they have learned it themselves. Therefore, capital punishment will never truly work as a deterrent, because of human nature to ignore practised advice and to self learn. There are those who claim that capital puni shment is in itself a form of vengeance on the killer. But isn't locking up a human being behind steel bars for many years, vengeance itself? And is it "humane" that an individual who took the life of another, should receive heating, clothing, indoor plumbing, 3 meals a day, while a homeless person who has harmed no one receives nothing? Adversaries of capital punishment claim that it is far more humane then having the state take away the life of the individual. In February 1963, Gary McCorkell, a 19 year old sex offender, was scheduled to hang. But just days before his execution, the then Liberal cabinet of Lester Person commuted McCorkell to life in prison. Less than 20 years later, McCorkell was arrested, tried, and convicted for the kidnapping and rape of a 10-year old Tenessee boy. He was sentanced to 63 years in prison. Prior to leaving Canada, he was sought by Metro Police in the attempted murder of an 11-year old boy. What has been gained by this? Had McCorkell been ex ecuted in 1963, two boys would never have had to have gone through the horror of being sexually abused. These individuals may themselves become sex offenders, as many sex offenders were sexually abused as children. McCorkell may have been a victim of sexually assualt in the past, but that does not justify what he did. He did not do this once, he killed two boys, and assaulted two others, leaving one for dead. He knew exactly what he was doing. What right does this man have to live? He has ruined the lives of 4 children, what will he do in life that will compensate for that? What kind of a life would the state have been taking away in this case? An innocent life? A forgiving life? No, a life that was beyond the realm of reform, and did not care to be. We must be careful. We must be very careful to never, even when suspicion may cause considerable doubt, send an innocent person to be executed. It could have happened to David Millgard, it could have happened to Donald Marshall. It probably has

Free Essays on How To Click It Or Ticket

Click it or ticket â€Å"Click it or ticket†, that is what my grandson has to say every time someone gets ready to leave in an automobile. I can’t believe what one child has to say would make such a difference in my life. I was one who hated when the law passed, making not wearing seat belts illegal. I truly felt that seat belts could cause death or major injury. This was real to me, because when growing up, I was in a car accident with my sister. She was driving me and my friend to pick up a birthday cake. A Car came out of now where, ran a stop sign and completely removed the front end of the car. She was not wearing a seat belt and was able to jump into the back seat where we were. That saved her, otherwise she would have probably loss her legs or been paralyzed. Another time, about 15 years ago, she was involved in another accident. Again, not wearing a seat belt, she was broad sided on both sides of her car (a chevette). On one side by a 18 wheel vehicle and the other, a pick up truck. She was just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, smashed together. Luckily she was not in a seat belt and was able to scoot over to the center of the vehicle. The accident was so bad; they had to get her out of the car with the Jaws of Life. She only had a few bruises and sore bones. The thing that changed my mind about seat belts happened about 4 months ago. I would never put on a seatbelt, but when listening to my grandson repeat over and over the slogan he had heard on television â€Å"click it or ticket†, I appeased him, and for this was the right thing to do. As I left home one morning, he ran up to me saying â€Å"click it or ticket† grandma, I Love You! I put on my seat belt and drove off. Not even 2 blocks away, a speeding car came through the intersection, not stopping for the sign. Guess what? BANG! There I was being hit on the tail end of my car. My car went spinning around in circles, hitting a fire hydrant, and ending ... Free Essays on How To Click It Or Ticket Free Essays on How To Click It Or Ticket Click it or ticket â€Å"Click it or ticket†, that is what my grandson has to say every time someone gets ready to leave in an automobile. I can’t believe what one child has to say would make such a difference in my life. I was one who hated when the law passed, making not wearing seat belts illegal. I truly felt that seat belts could cause death or major injury. This was real to me, because when growing up, I was in a car accident with my sister. She was driving me and my friend to pick up a birthday cake. A Car came out of now where, ran a stop sign and completely removed the front end of the car. She was not wearing a seat belt and was able to jump into the back seat where we were. That saved her, otherwise she would have probably loss her legs or been paralyzed. Another time, about 15 years ago, she was involved in another accident. Again, not wearing a seat belt, she was broad sided on both sides of her car (a chevette). On one side by a 18 wheel vehicle and the other, a pick up truck. She was just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, smashed together. Luckily she was not in a seat belt and was able to scoot over to the center of the vehicle. The accident was so bad; they had to get her out of the car with the Jaws of Life. She only had a few bruises and sore bones. The thing that changed my mind about seat belts happened about 4 months ago. I would never put on a seatbelt, but when listening to my grandson repeat over and over the slogan he had heard on television â€Å"click it or ticket†, I appeased him, and for this was the right thing to do. As I left home one morning, he ran up to me saying â€Å"click it or ticket† grandma, I Love You! I put on my seat belt and drove off. Not even 2 blocks away, a speeding car came through the intersection, not stopping for the sign. Guess what? BANG! There I was being hit on the tail end of my car. My car went spinning around in circles, hitting a fire hydrant, and ending ...

Forecasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Forecasting - Essay Example Good judgment, intuition, and an awareness of how the economy is doing might give the management an idea of what is likely to take place in the future. Nonetheless, it is not east to change a belief concerning the future into a useful and precise number. Forecasting techniques can assist in estimating various aspects of a company operation. All forecasting techniques can be split into two wide classes: quantitative and qualitative. Most of the forecasting methods use historical or past data in time series. Time series is just a set of examinations measured at consecutive points in time or over consecutive periods. Forecasts provide future elements of the time series on a particular variable like sales volume. Division of forecasting techniques into quantitative and qualitative classification is based on the accessibility of time series information (Zech and Nallau, 5-57). Forecasting is a tool that assists management in its effort to tackle future uncertainties. It is mainly based on information from the present, past, and evaluation of trends. Forecasting begins with some assumptions based on the business’s knowledge, experience and

Essay question Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Essay question - Assignment Example The Roman Empire was ruled Patricians and they were considered to be the most powerful ones in the region. It has been known that there was a lot of mismanagement and uneven distribution of wealth in the Roman Empire. The poor got poorer and rich got richer. The Roman leaders involved in battles, trying to capture territories of their allies, them being not present in the capital to handle state affairs and other such matters led to the Roman demise. Eventually, the death of Julius Ceaser proved to be the last nail in the coffin of once great and mighty Roman Empire and led to its demise. Clarifier: Before the 20th century, muckrakers were simple investigative journalists but with the start of 20th century they worked as reform journalist and started a movement to finish off corruption in the system. The Muckrakers are known as pioneers of proper investigative journalism in the history. Historical Significance: The muckrakers and their movement in the 1900s was aimed to improve the standard of journalism. The movement started in the early 1900s and was very popular till the Second World War. They worked to expose social ills in the society and to stop corruption in the system. After the Second World War this movement faced its end due to dirty political skills showed by the government. Clarifier: Sit-Down Strikes gave way to a new sort of protest so that the authorities would have no other option but to meet their demands in order to start the progress otherwise they would have to face huge losses. Historical Significance: History is full of examples of sit-down strikes in which workers of factories protested for raises or bonuses. One such example is the strikes of American factory workers during the industrial revolution. More than 3,000 workers stopped work and protested. Other notable examples include the strike of United Auto Workers and the French revolt which is marked till today on May 1st every year. Historical

Zara as a fashion retailer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Zara as a fashion retailer - Essay Example Marketing of products and hence the proper management of marketing is an essential factor for every organization and requires extensive measures to be successful and satisfy its customers by fulfilling their demands. Thus the understanding of the marketing management of a company and its strategic options available are essential for the company’s success. The current study focuses on the marketing management and the strategic options available to the Zara fashion retailer and from the study determines the key marketing strategies that may be incorporated in the company’s objectives and marketing plans as well as apply the concepts of marketing in the company’s future success. Zara Company: Market, Consumer, and Competition: In the global world of competition, it is necessary for every organization to undertake measures to increase its competitive advantage over its competitors. Zara is a popular fashion retailer whose parent company is Inditex. In order to achiev e the competitive advantage over its competitors that include companies like Hennes and Mauritz (H&M), The Gap, Benetton, the company has plans to address the constraints encountered by its competitors such that they can overcome any obstacles. The core competencies of the company have provided the company with improved financial outcomes increasing its status over its competitors in the market. Such a phase has been possible for the company to achieve owing to the consumers of the company who have made it a success for the company. The consumers are highly satisfied with the company since Zara focuses extensively on responding quickly to the demands of the customers, increasing the speed of the flow of information in between the ultimate consumer and the company. Thus through the competitive advantages the Zara Company has made a position for itself in the industry and among the target market (Zara: Fashion Follower, Industry Leader, 2004). Mission and Objectives of the Company: Th e primary aim of the company is to create a sustainable development for the society in which they survive and contribute towards the welfare of the environment. Thus the main objectives of the company include saving of energy, manufacturing eco-friendly shops, produce less waste and perform recycling, maintaining commitment towards the company’s workforce and prepare and sustain a team that would remain aware of the environment. The above mentioned objectives of the company deal with the retail stores of the company. In regard to the products of the company, the company has set its objectives in use of ecological fabrics, cotton that is organic in nature and manufacture of footwear that is PVC-free in nature. In regard to transport facilities of the company, biodiesel is used by the company keeping focus on the welfare of the environment. Products based on animals that are available in the company are made available from animals raised in their farms and animals are not sacri ficed for the purpose (Our Mission Statement, 2010). Stakeholders of Zara Company: The employees, the customers, and the suppliers are the main stakeholders of the company. The Zara Company has its primary focus on the utmost level of satisfaction of its customers and hence the company takes all necessary measures to manufacture and design products based on the demands of the customers. This attracts more customers for the brand. The employees of the company are also addressed and their

Export Cycle Of A Shipping Line Economics Essay

Export Cycle Of A Shipping Line Economics Essay Shipping Industry has always been subject to vagaries of different factors, such as, ocean monsoon, political and economical factors etc. Nowadays when the world economy is undergoing recession, its all the more necessary to study this integral line of transportation, which connects the globe through water. The objective of the project undertaken was to study the problems of the upcountry exporters with particular reference to ICD. When in late 70s and early 80s, the concept of containerized cargo and delivery at doorstep started getting popular the world over, a need was felt to set up an Inland Container Depot to cater to the needs of trade and industry of the Northern part of India.   With this background in mind and with a view to bringing the facilities of transportation and Customs clearance of import and export cargo at the doorstep of importers and exporters, an Inland Container Depot was set up at Pragati Maidan in 1983 under the control of an Assistant Collector of Customs.   Indian Railways were nominated the custodian of the goods.   In 1984, a Container Freight Station (CFS) was also opened at Patparganj, which was an extension of ICD, Pragati Maidan, and Central Warehousing Corporation was nominated as its custodian.   This was a new experience for the trade and in dustry of North India and the institution of ICDs caught their imagination.   Soon, the importers/exporters who earlier used to clear their goods from one of the ports, started using ICD: Pragati Maidan and CFS : Patparganj for the clearance of their import and export goods.   In 1988, a public sector enterprise, M/s. Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) was set up which took over the responsibilities of custodian from Indian Railways for ICD: Pragati Maidan.   Within a decade of its inception, the volume of work at ICD had increased to such an extent that it became difficult to handle it at Pragati Maidan.   It was then decided (in 1983) to shift the venue of ICD from Pragati Maidan to its present location i.e. at Tughlakabad.   In 1995, the CFS : Patparganj was upgraded to a full fledged ICD with C.W.C. continuing as custodian of the goods.   Movement of containers by road was also permitted in addition to the movement of containers by rail through Tughlakabad.    Almost all commodities are being imported through ICD, major items being machinery, electronic goods, plastic, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts and metal and metal scrap.   On export side major items being exported through ICD are leather garments and leather products, readymade garments, machinery, agricultural products especially rice The project was majorly focused on ICD and the problems faced by the exporters with reference to the ICD. OBJECTIVE To study the problems of the upcountry exporters with particular refrence to ICD To study the workings of the study. To study the role of ICD in India. To study the role of Multimodal Transport Operators in the International Trade transactions. METHODOLOGY DATA SOURCE: The data was collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through interactive sessions with exporters importers, Export Import managers, Commercial managers, Managing Directors, General Managers, Logistics managers and Supply chain managers. Secondary data was collected from internet, EXIM newsletter, Libraries and FIEOs directory. RESEARCH APPROACH: The approach adopted was survey of exporters and interactive sessions with various people. The presidential areas that were surveyed include Okhla Industrial area, NOIDA, Udyog Vihar, and Global Business Park etc. RESEARCH INSTRUMENT: Research instruments used were interactive sessions with various executives. CONTACT METHOD: Personal interviews were used to collect information because they are more authentic and the researcher can easily know and describe the attitudinal behavior of the respondents, which cannot be done by using other survey methods LINER REPRESETATION THE LINER INDUSTRYS CHALLENGE: There is no doubt that the challenges and opportunities facing the container liner shipping business get bigger as each year passes. As the years after 1999 passed half the way the future of those companies involved in providing container transport services seemed to hinge on two massive opportunities or challenges securing cost advantage and satisfying the need of customers. The consensus is that failure to seize either or both of these opportunities will ultimately condemn carriers, whatever their specialist niche or global coverage to commercial oblivion in a trading environment that each year becomes ever more competitive. The first analysis of the containerization international, published in May 1983 entrants which do not figure in the latest 1998 ranking, are Wilhelmsen Lines, Polish Ocean Lines, Hoegh Lines and Star Shipping, all of which unlike US Lines, are still operating. Number one shipping line, Maersk was ranked fifth in 1983, Mediterranean Shipping Co., fourth in the year was nowhere to be seen. Of course, back then Nedloyd and PO (then called OCL) were listed separately, as were APL and CGM, while the companies, which have recently acquired them, respectively NOL and CMA, did not even make the top 20 in 1983. Neither did Ships, Safmarine/CMBT, nor any of the South Korean carriers. What was also different was the number of non-cellular vessels and converted to cellular ships 1983 stop carriers had deployed. Only just over half their fleet in terms of TEU capacity were purpose-built, fully cellular ships. Also, most of their ships were less than 2,000 TEU, the notable exception being those of US Lines. It had 14*4, 4,148 TEU ships in the pipeline. Capacity growth is largely attributable to expansion by leading players. For, such is the maturity of the market and so high the price of entry that the days of major new operations appearing on the scene are long since gone. The problem of underutilization of assets also exists. This problem doesnt vary only from trade to trade, but also from route segment to route segment. Similarly its impact on pricing is patchy. Container liner services rates continue to decline in real terms in many markets, despite considerable improvements in the level and range of services being offered by carriers. Some analysts suggest that rate levels will soon start to edge up in certain trades as careers seed to recoup the substantial investment they have made in vessels, boxes and information systems. It is argued that there is a limit to how long they can continue to survive in such tight margins. However, a rise in rates presupposes a level of discipline among carriers, which the industry has rarely displayed, often preferring instead to try and secure volume by buying market share. And with the conference system in terminal decline in the face of shipper and regulatory antipathy, there are few structures left to encourage price discipline with in the industry. Carriers will also continue to secure cost advantage by forming strategic alliances with other operators. Such partnerships are now a recognized means of achieving better results for carriers and their customers. On most trades such arrangements are now the norm and barring any regulatory ruling which might impede their progress they will continue to flourish. One of the advantages of such alliances is that thy enable participants o improve the coverage and service frequency they an offer their customers. Such considerations assume greater importance as lines seek to be more responsive to the needs of their customers. Increasingly operators are becoming less asset-focused and more customer-driven. This presents a host of opportunities for an industry which has only relatively recently realized it is in the service business. For the global operators the challenge is to think globally, but at the same time act locally, by providing services which are appropriate for local as well as global shipping needs. WORKINGS OF SHIPPING LINE Contract of shipment Booking space in a ship. Getting confirmation from the agent. Picking up of the cargo (according to the terms of the shipment). Warehousing, if required. The carrier issues the bill of lading when he receives the goods. Ones the ship sails the master informs the agent. Informing the principal about the shipment. Delivery according to the terms of shipment. Export Cycle Of A Shipping Line Shipping line negotiates freight terms, etc with the client and upon finalization of deal; client agrees to use MISC for export shipment. The client then approaches the Shipping Line. Operations office/counter at the ICD for the allotment of the container. Container is allotted to the client upon the presentation of a copy of shipping bill/invoice. There are three modes of operation. Factory stuffing: If the container is being taken to the factory for stuffing, the client organizes his own transportation and removes the container for house stuffing. After stuffing, the central excise puts a seal in the container and Line seal is also put by the shipper. The container is moved to ICD, where a customs inspection takes place, and after inspection Customs seal is put. After the sealing, the container moves to the railhead for further movement to Nhava Sheva. ICD stuffing: The cargo is brought to the ICD by the shipper and a container is allowed based on shipping bill a container is allotted. Cargo is stuffed at ICD and after the seals are put in the container, the container moves to the railhead for further movement to Nhava Sheva. CFS stuffing: The cargo is brought to the CFS by the shipper. After the customs formalities, the container is stuffed by the shipping line. After stuffing, a line seal and customs seal is put, and the container is moved to ICD railhead for further movement to Nhava Sheva. Many a times the shipper stuffs the container in his factory and instead of bringing it back to the ICD, hands it over directly to Nhava Sheva. Customs inspection of seal is done at Nhava Sheva. Last but not the least payment is collected from the concerned shipper. FLOW CHART OF THE EXPORT CYCLE OF A SHIPPING LINE EXPORT  ¯ FACTORY STUFFING ICD STUFFING CFS STUFFING  ¯  ¯  ¯ BROUGHT TO FACTORY FOR STUFFING BY SHIPPER CARGO IS BROUGHT TO ICD AND CONTAINER IS ALLOWED AGAINST S/B CARGO IS BROUGHT BY THE SHIPPER TO THE CFS  ¯  ¯  ¯ CENTRAL EXCISE AND LINE SEAL BY SHIPPER CARGO STUFFED AT ICD CONTAINERS STUFFED AFTER CUSTOMS FORMALITIES BY S/L  ¯  ¯  ¯ CONTAINER BROUGHT TO ICD AFTER CUSTOMS INSPECTION SEAL IS PU PUTTING OF SEALS PUTTING OF LINE CUSTOMS SEAL  ¯  ¯  ¯ CONTAINER MOVED TO RAILHEAD CONTAINER MOVED TO RAILHEAD CONTAINER MOVED TO ICD RAILHEAD ICD TUGLKABAD When in late 70s and early 80s, the concept of containerized cargo and delivery at doorstep started getting popular the world over, a need was felt to set up an Inland Container Depot to cater to the needs of trade and industry of the Northern part of India.   With this background in mind and with a view to bringing the facilities of transportation and Customs clearance of import and export cargo at the doorstep of importers and exporters, an Inland Container Depot was set up at Pragati Maidan in 1983 under the control of an Assistant Collector of Customs.   Indian Railways were nominated the custodian of the goods.   In 1984, a Container Freight Station (CFS) was also opened at Patparganj, which was an extension of ICD, Pragati Maidan, and Central Warehousing Corporation was nominated as its custodian.   This was a new experience for the trade and industry of North India and the institution of ICDs caught their imagination.   Soon, the importers/exporters who earlier used to clear their goods from one of the ports, started using ICD: Pragati Maidan and CFS : Patparganj for the clearance of their import and export goods.   In 1988, a public sector enterprise, M/s. Container Corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR) was set up which took over the responsibilities of custodian from Indian Railways for ICD: Pragati Maidan.   Within a decade of its inception, the volume of work at ICD had increased to such an extent that it became difficult to handle it at Pragati Maidan.   It was then decided (in 1983) to shift the venue of ICD from Pragati Maidan to its present location i.e. at Tughlakabad.   In 1995, the CFS : Patparganj was upgraded to a full fledged ICD with C.W.C. continuing as custodian of the goods.   Movement of containers by road was also permitted in addition to the movement of containers by rail through Tughlakabad.   ICD : Tughlakabad (TKD) caters to the need of importers and exporters based in Northern India.   It is situated near Okhla Industrial Area and is spread over 44 hectares of land.   It has three storied Administrative block housing Offices of Customs, CONCOR, Bank, Shipping Lines, CHAs and Surveyors.   Four full length rail lines are available in the Customs area which bring the containers by train from Gateway ports such as Mumbai, Nhava Sheva, Chennai, besides bringing the containers by road from other ports such as Haldia, Calcutta and Kandla, etc.   ICD:TKD is equipped with most modern facilities such as rail mounted gantry of 40 metric empty lifting capacity, rubber tire diesel powered cranes, billoties and lift trucks, etc.   two covered sheds, one for import and another for export with a total area of 16,000 sq. mts. has been provided in the Customs area for stuffing and de-stuffing of import and export   goods.   With these ultra-modern facilities, ICD:TKD, New D elhi, has developed into the largest hub of multi-modal centre in the Indian sub-continent.   Containers meant for ICDs: Patparganj, Faridabad and Gari Harsaru are first brought at TKD by rail and then transported to their respective destinations.   Almost all commodities are being imported through ICD, major items being machinery, electronic goods, plastic, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts and metal and metal scrap.   On export side major items being exported through ICD are leather garments and leather products, readymade garments, machinery, agricultural products especially rice The ICD Tughlakabad is the largest dry port in South Asia and the leading centre for importers and exporters of the Northern Region.   This ICD began functioning at Tughlakabad in 1993, prior to which it was located at Pragati Maidan.   The Custodian of this ICD is Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR), which is the Public Sector Undertaking.   CONCOR are also the carriers, through rail, of import and export containers between ICD Tughlakabad and the Gateway Ports of Mumbai, Nhava Sheva and Chennai.   This ICD is the focal Port for the ICDs at PPG,   Faridabad and Garhi Harsaru and the movement of the containers between the ICDs to and fro takes place by road.   The Customs area houses two covered Sheds, one for import and the other for exports.   The main CONCOR building houses the administrative staff of Customs and CONCOR as well as the offices of CHAs and Shipping lines.   The staff working at ICD Tughlakabad is the regular Departmental staff and not on cost recovery basis.   The traffic as well as the revenue from this port has been going up over the year which can be seen in the charts below: Containers Handled: CONTAINERIZATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN INDIA Worldwide, the containerization of cargo has steadily been gaining popularity because of the several advantages it provides to manufacturers and exporters. Some of these are listed below: Lower transit time Safety of cargo from pilferage and in-transit damage Ability to avoid sales tax and Octroi checks at each state border crossed. In India, however, the proportion of total internal trade that is containerized is still quite insignificant. The total annual volume of internal trade is estimated to be 650 million tonnes, of which 250 million tonnes are moved by rail and the remaining 400 million tonnes by road. The volume of containerized cargo movement is less than 5 million tonnes (of which 3-4 million tonnes are handled by the railways). There is thus substantial potential for growth in the containerization sector. CONTAINER CORPORATION OF INDIA The Container Corporation of India, or CONCOR, was established in 1987, under the Ministry of Railways. Its stated objectives were to promote containerization and thereby boost Indias domestic as well as international trade. CONCOR is the monopoly service provider for containerization via railways. Present infrastructure Since taking over the Railways container handling facilities, CONCOR has developed a vast network of container terminals at prime locations across India. It has 31 Exim terminals. While most CONCOR terminals are rail linked, road is preferred in some cases depending on local conditions. (E.g.: some hubs like Tughlakabad are fed by satellite locations like Agra and Panipat by road). Growth As a pioneer in this field of containerized transportation, CONCOR has grown impressively since it was established in1987. The cargo throughput has grown from only about 74,890 TEUs in 1990-91 to over 8,01,000 TEUs in 1998-99. In the first ten years of its existence, its throughput has seen an average growth of 20% per annum. EXIM traffic Only about 30% of port traffic originates from and terminates at places within 300 km from the port. The remaining 70% is to and from the hinterland, representing a potentially large demand for CONCORs services. CONCOR provides transport linkages between ports and the hinterland. Regular container trains are run to and from ports to CONCOR terminals in the hinterland. Some of these terminals are also served by road. Future Terminal Development plans Plans are afoot to embark on a large-scale terminal development programme. Region-wise plans have been drawn up. The 31 existing Exim terminals are to be increased to about 50 by 2002-03. CONCOR would then be located in almost all cargo receiving/generating areas of the vast hinterland. Terminals would also be expanded. Presence in the hinterland as also in the port towns would tie up both end-points of the shipment route, facilitating control over the entire logistics chain. 3800 high-speed flat wagons are being procured with the help of a US$94 million World Bank loan. These wagons will be put to use in all EXIM streams and subsequently in domestic streams. As these container trains will run at the speed of mail/express trains, the transit time between ports and hinterland will be substantially reduced. WORKINGS OF ICD IN INTRNATIONAL BUSINESS ICD is a common user facility with public utility authority status, equipped with fixed installations and offering services for handling and temporary storage of any kind of good (including containers) carried under Customs Control and with Customs and other agencies competent to clear goods for home use, warehousing, temporary admission, re-exports, temporary storage for onward transit and out right exports. Facilities at a dry port : Export and import warehouse: They are used for international trade and are located near dry ports. They are provided transit storage facilities for goods awaiting onward movement; separate provisions for break bulk, packaging inspection of goods, marking, etc. Container handling equipment for ISO container. Container yard (storage place of containers) It is provides space of offices of the shipping agents, customs clearance and freight forwarder agents, banks,road vehicles operators(transporter), packing service, consolidation service, fumigation, weightage of cargo and marshalling and train information service etc. Export procedure : Export of goods from India moving in containers is usually done through road and rail from ICD to Gateway ports. Types of shipping bill: White shipping bill (for duty free goods) Green shipping bill (for duty drawback) Blue shipping bill (for duty entitlement passbook scheme) Yellow shipping bill (for eatable goods. It depends on goods) GRI (Guarantee Remittance Forms) This is prepared in duplicate, the original is retained by the customs and the duplicate is sent to the RBI by the customs after processing of documents and finalization of shipping bill. Type of bill of entry: White bill of entry for home consumption goods. Blue bill of entry for goods are to be deposit in a customs bonded warehouse Green bill of entry fro goods are cleared from the customs bonded area Yellow bill of entry for eatable goods. Concept of customs : Custom procedure through out the world is similar so it is a valuable e source of assistance of administration involved in the modernization of National Customs Legislation. Hence allowing easy identification of out of date procedure Customs Act as a requirement for a financial guarantee to be established in the transit country by the party responsible for transit operation to meet possible claims by the customs. Customs also acts as a watchdog as it physically examines the goods being exported or imported out/in the country for their quality and also appropriateness. SHIPPING POLICY OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Globalization of trade and industrial production on the scale presently observed is not only affecting maritime transport in different ways, but has also been decisively shaped by shipping developments. Globalization in the widest sense has dramatically changed the demand for transport and related services and has forced all transportation companies to better adapt the services rendered to the requirements of the trading community. At the same time, important technological developments in maritime transport created the precondition for the expansion of world trade based on an intensified international division of labor. Changes in the provision of shipping services have been brought about by market driven forces, but their realization was largely made possible through policy reforms. Countries have relaxed or removed protective legislation and have started a process of renegotiating or renouncing bilateral agreements providing for market access restrictions. In parallel there has been a general move towards privatization of state-owned shipping companies and the opening of the market for shipping and related services to private sector competition. These policy reforms have been the more remarkable as shipping has been generally considered a strategic industry and lines a national asset. Liberalization of market access has led to increased competition among shipping lines and to greater commercial flexibility with regard to capacity management, pricing and entry into trade routes. At the same time, however, liberalization has also provided the basis for concentration processes, which perpetually chan ge the structure of the industry. A policy Environment Conducive to the Development of Shipping Markets: In order to ensure that development objectives are being met, Governments must give higher priority to transport issues, must review and revise the regulatory framework to allow greater participation of the private sector, introduce reform measures to make providers of transport service more responsive to user demands, streamline administrative procedures, introduce a system of transport performance indicators, promote the use of information technology and strengthen training programs in this sector. At the international level, it is important that policies and regulatory regimes be harmonized and Governments be assisted in devising the necessary policy measures required to ensure that transport supply capacities in developing countries be created or strengthened and to ensure that traders be placed in a position to effectively take advantage of transport opportunities offered in liberalized and globalized ocean transport markets. While general frameworks are being elaborated at the global level, it is also important that parallel efforts are pursued by governments towards market and policy reforms in the context of regional integration arrangements. Policy Principles: Problems faced by developing countries relate both to supply-side dynamics and to protection of users interests in transport markets. In many developing countries shipping and transport were considered to be strategic industries calling for public ownership in line with generally pursued economic policies. In order to increase the efficiency of the sector in general, programs of commercialization, privatization and liberalization have been set in motion. These programs are an integral part of a policy reform program which involves a shift in policies away from market access restrictions to a fleet development policy based on strengthening of commercial capabilities of national service suppliers and to support policies increasing the competitiveness of the maritime services sector. This shift is important to note, as it underlines the fact that shipping policy is not only a matter of market access policy. Market access is only one facet, with others, such as policies relating to fleet development and sector efficiency being equally important. This aspect is particularly relevant as it shows the need to complement WT O negotiations in the context of GATS. At the same time, developing countries need high-level and specific advice both in negotiating and implementing liberalization instruments. Liberalization and privatization are the two main pillars of maritime policy reform programs of developing countries. While restructuring of State-owned companies is necessary to ensure market orientation, it may not be a sufficient condition for successful privatization. Support measures need to be put in place that would give a concrete meaning to the notion of progressive liberalization. These measures would aim at improving the capabilities of developing countries operators to produce transport services and to create a level playing field enabling operators to compete successfully in the new transport markets. For developing countries to gain or to maintain a significant position as producers of transport services in a competitive environment, where ownership and nationality are o longer central elements, it is crucial, that competitive and exportable services be produced that can be offered in an increasingly international market. In order to arrive at such a situation it is essential that policies are being pursued that aim at capacity building and removing obstacles for national operators. These policies of competitiveness and thereby of raising the efficiency are intrinsically linked to liberalization processes. At the same time it is important that local suppliers benefit from an environment that creates a level playing field and gives them a reasonable chance of success. This need for a level playing field, however, is not to be confused with a call fro restrictive or discriminatory measures that would impede on the freedom of choice of the users of transport services. It does, howev er, call for a certain amount of harmonization of the administrative and regulatory environment, such as conditions for ship registration, taxation, labor movement, etc. Modern and efficient ports are necessary and powerful tools of facilitating and fostering trade and development and more so at a time of globalization of trade. Nowadays, ports must offer efficient and reliable services to ships and cargo, including communication systems, documentation and customs procedures, to allow the timely flow of goods through the transport chain. To assist in this flow, some countries have developed distribution or logistics centers in the port areas, which are used for the storage, preparation and transformation of cargo. Therefore, ports are no longer simply a place for cargo exchange but are a functional element in the dynamic logistics chains through which commodities and goods flow. An efficient transport system is also a prerequisite to attract foreign direct investment. Ports can be crucial element in developing a competitive advantage for a country and therefore Governments and port authorities need to adopt suitable port policies to allow the nation to reap this potential benefit. It is of the greatest importance that an environment is created where Governmental and intergovernmental activities on the legislative, regulatory and institutional fronts are discussed with the inputs of all users. Market Access Policies-National Policies and GATS: Maritime Transport- The successful employment of larger vessels and fleets, be they single company fleets or joint ones in the consortia or other cooperative arrangements is dependent on the existence of and the unimpeded access to sufficiently large cargo flows. Such flows rarely exist in bilateral trades but can only be assured by a mix of home and cross trades. Rationalization of services thus achieved requires planning security based, inter alia, on a predictable regulatory policy framework. A high degree of liberalization of trade in maritime services and the existence of multilateral rules establishing the framework within which lines operate are clearly in the interest of these service providers. Similarly, the extension of activities into logistics services requires access to inland transport and so-called auxiliary services, either as service providers or as users with guaranteed and unconditional access to such services, which might raise a great deal of opposition. The General agreement on Tr ade in Services (GATS) partly addresses these issues in the sectoral agreement on maritime transport. Port and Auxiliary Services: Modern and efficient ports are necessary and powerful tools for facilitating and fostering trade and development and more as at a time of globalization of trade. Nowadays, ports must offer efficient and reliable services to ships and cargo, including communication systems, documentation and customs procedures, to allow the timely flow of goods through the transport chain. To assist in this flow, some countries have developed distribution of logistics centers in the port area, which are used for the storage, preparation and transformation of cargo. Therefore, ports are no longer simply a place for cargo exchange but are a functional element in the dynamic logistics chains through which commodities and goods flow. An efficient transport system is also a pre-requisite to attract foreign direct investment. Ports can be crucial element in developing a competitive advantage for a country and therefore Governments and port authorities need to adopt suitable port policies to allow the nation to reap this potential benefit. It is of the greatest importance that an environment is created where Governmental and intergovernmental activities on the legislative, regulatory and institutional fronts are discussed with the inputs of all users. Port infrastructure developments, for example, involve a closely coordinated partnership between the private and public sectors. Governments should therefore

John Alexander Macdonald: A Good Role Model? :: essays research papers

John Alexander Macdonald: A Good Role Model? A role model can be looked up upon and imitated. Many would argue that Sir John A. Macdonald is not someone of this stature, but I have different opinions about him. By studying some books about him I concluded that this humble man is someone who deserves to be known as a good role model. Here are some reasons to why. It is John A. Macdonald's outstanding qualities that made him a upright leader. He won the hearts of people because he could relate to them and their problems. Showing humility, Mr. Macdonald considered himself as one of them*. And his devotion to helping these people is shown by his life course, to which even his opponents admitted "there does not exist in Canada a man who has given more of his time--more of his heart--more of his wealth or more of his intellect and power, such as they may be, for the good of the Dominion of Canada." Yes, we can say that the first Prime Minister was very devoted to Canada and her people, and helped direct Canada to become what it is now. John A. Macdonald became well known for the way he treated people. He was kind and courteous. And because of his humor and consideration of others, people enjoyed being around the Prime Minister. He left a good impression on the people of Canada because he cared for not only the English, but also the French and Natives. One example is when he visited the Council House of the Six Nation Indians near Brantford. Mr. Macdonald met more than thirty farmers and after only thirty minutes of chatting with them he knew them all by name# . In another instance, a guest of John A. Macdonald was so impressed with the hospitality he received that he described him as "courteous in his social relations--a very prince". In both cases he made those involved feel noticed and cared for. The most prominent attribute that makes John A. Macdonald a good role model is his honesty. In comparison to all of the politicians, he is by far one of the most honest Prime Ministers. Although he was not perfectly honest as shown in the Pacific Scandal, he rarely made promises that weren't fulfilled. The people recognized this and showed their appreciation by continuing to support him till

Racial Discrimination

Seminar on Peace Education A Research Paper on Racial Discrimination Racism takes many forms. In general, it is a belief that a particular race or ethnicity is inferior or superior to others. Racial discrimination involves any act where a person is treated unfairly or vilified because of their race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin. Racism may take the form of stereotyping, name calling or insults, commentary in the media, speeches at public assemblies and abuse on the internet.It can include directly or indirectly excluding people from accessing services, employment, education or sporting activities. Racism can occur systemically, as the result of policies, conditions and practices that affect a broad group of people. For example, research shows that systemic racism can result in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students experiencing poorer outcomes in education, or job applicants without Anglo-Saxon names finding it difficult to gain job interviews. Just as other form s of discrimination may relate to a number of attributes, so does the experience of racism.For example, racism may compound the experience of discrimination of a woman, who is treated less favorably on the basis of her religion and her gender, or an older person, who is discriminated against on the basis of their skin color and their age. In its most serious manifestation, racism is demonstrated in behaviors and activities that embody race hate, abuse and violence – particularly experienced by groups who are visibly different because of their cultural or religious dress, their skin color or their physical appearance. Ultimately, racism is a tool to gain and maintain power.It is also inextricably linked with socio-economic factors, and frequently reflects underlying inequalities in a society. The impact or racism is becoming a major problem in our society today. Racism is a system in which a group of people practice violent acts and power over others on the foundation of their skin color and racial inheritance. Despite the consequences of who discriminates, why is it done and how it is practiced and defended, what has remained true is that racism promotes power, recognition, advantages, and opportunity for some people at the expense of others.Most people today have experienced racism in their lives. They may experience it while they are at school, in the neighborhood, shopping in the mall, dining in a restaurant, and at work. Racism takes place anywhere and everywhere. Racism may even change the way an individual may feel about themselves and marks a deep scar in their life and may take a while to heal. There are three types of racism in the workplace. First type of racism in the workplace is racial discrimination. Second type is color discrimination, and lastly the discrimination of language.The first type of racism in the workplace is racial discrimination. Racial discrimination is present when people are treated in a different way than others who are equally situated because they are part of a particular race and unchangeable characteristics, such as physical features, native to their race. In employment it can happen when employees are treated differently than other employees equally situated because of their interracial dating or marriages, culturally oriented expression of attitudes and beliefs, and members in racially oriented groups.An example of race discrimination is when you didn’t get a job because you were told you wouldn’t fit in to the workplace because of your race, you’ve been rejected service or treated incorrectly in a shop or hotel, or you’ve been separated out for filthy jobs because of your race. The next type of racism in workplace is color discrimination. Color discrimination is present when individuals are treated differently than others who are equally situated because of the color of their skin. This is a separately identifiable type of discrimination that can also occur in con junction with race discrimination.Color discrimination can also occur in the absence of race discrimination when members of the same race are treated differently because of their skin color. An example that relates to color discrimination in the workplace is the employer does not hire anyone darker but hires light-skinned or white persons of all races. Final type of racism in workplace is language discrimination. Language discrimination means treating someone in a different way only because of his or her native language or further characteristics of speech.An example of language discrimination on the job is when an employee may be subjected to language discrimination if the workplace has speak-English-only rule, especially if her primary language is not English. An employee may also be the victim of language discrimination if she is treated less favorably than other employees because she speaks English with an accent, or if she is told she does not qualify for a position because she does not speak English well enough.But language discrimination doesn’t only happen on the job, a person may be denied access to businesses or government services because he or she does not speak English. Racial discrimination is everywhere. In the Philippines, we can say that racial discrimination is evident, especially to those who belong to a tribal minority or ethnic groups. Even the media manifested racism, most of the advertisement that can be seen in the television could let us think about racism.Like for example, the commercial about a whitening soap or lotion, they used image models have dark complexion skin. And in order to promote the effectiveness of their products they have to show that their models are whitened by their products. So meaning having dark skin is not good to look at. Though it is just an advertisement but still it could be another form of racial discrimination among dark people. But not only those advertisements in television, but even also some of our local â€Å"teleserye† or â€Å"telenobela†.In that, I can say that racism is prevalent in the Philippines. Racial discrimination of Filipinos doesn’t exist only within the country but also to other countries. Why do most people from Western and other rich countries discriminate Filipinos? And why do they usually think of us as Gold diggers and stuff? How inferior it is to hear that thing if you were in our part either it is not easy to take that in your part knowing that people around the world describes Filipino as a Domestic Helpers.In the  Philippine  history, Spanish colony has made a big  change  in the country and has made contributed positive things and negative things. The friars (Spanish friars of the past settling in the  Philippines) is putting into the minds of the  students  and of the people that they are the Superiors since they are white and the Indios (Filipino’s of before) are brown. In that thing you can already see that there is racial discrimination. One positive thing I can give upon their (the Spanish)  contribution  to the  Philippines  is Christianity in the land.This has been the greatest thing Filipino’s at this present is proud of and has made most us religious, God-fearing, prayerful and these things but in the other hand on the negative side, Spanish made us traumatize on the things they have done like being innocent, and idiots. They kept on punishing the people of before if they won’t pay their debts. In fact, we Filipino’s are the real owner of this land and there is no need for us to be demanded on the debts rather it’s in our whim to  demand  those things from them since they were foreign in the land.But look at what they did, because of power with so much guns, good swords and equipped soldiers, they controlled the land and called the Filipino’s as squatters. Now at the present times, the effects of those traumas have occurred from the cause. We ought to be blameless if we can’t improve our economy that well, but time will come we will prosper since we have a kind of land that is much fertile and with lots of resources to cater the world. People would think we are poor, yes we are poor.Eventually, we are poor in terms of economy that is why most of us go to other lands just to be slaves and we don’t care for as long as we can feed our families after those wages and labors being given. Though the world describes Filipina’s as DH or Domestic Helpers but in our land we call them as Heroes- heroes of our family. If you get to know our culture, I know you would understand everything why we come into certain things. For as long as we live happily, that’s all it takes. The talks of the people won’t stumble us down in fact we become stronger and stronger every day.It doesn’t mean we hate people the way they see us, well it’s normal and it’s there will and choice to hate us. We can’t stop them from it, but all I can say is that, respect is what we ask for. Respect us as humans and as a person. We cannot really avoid such discrimination, so many laws now implemented about anti-racial discrimination but still it is always there. Racism existed throughout human history. In the Philippines, last November 2011 the senate passed a bill that would prohibit and penalize racial discrimination in the workplace, educational institutions, and services.Senate Bill 2814 also known as the Anti-Discrimination Act of 2011, according to its sponsor Sen. Loren Legarda, would provide a lasting and effective solution to discrimination in the country. Legarda said that based on the 20th Periodic report submitted by the government to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in 2008, the Philippines does not formally recognize the existence of racial discrimination in the country.She quoted the country’s official stand in the report as saying â€Å"racial discrimination is alien to the prevailing mores and culture of the Filipino People† and that â€Å"racial discrimination has never officially or factually existed in the Philippines, neither in a systemic nor formal nor intermittent nor isolated manner† because â€Å"Filipinos have essentially the same racial and ethnic origins. † Legarda said the government has to formally recognize the existence of racial discrimination in the country.The bill stipulates penalties on acts of racial discrimination in employment, education, delivery of goods, facilities and services, accommodation, transportation, media, and in search and investigatory activities. Persons who â€Å"request, induce, encourage and authorize or assist others to commit acts of discrimination or profiling† would also be held liable. We need to acknowledge that discrimination exists before we can eliminate it for we cannot eradicate something that is considered a ghost by others.We must strive to transform our society into an open-minded and sensitive community where no child is subjected to name-calling because of his distinct looks; we must build a nation where each individual's beliefs and principles are respected and everyone is given equal opportunity to achieve his full potential as a person and as a Filipino citizen. Sources: http://www. senate. gov. ph/press_release/2011/0511_legarda2. asp http://www. philstar. com/Article. aspx? articleId=751133;publicationSubCategoryId=63 http://socyberty. com/ethnicity/racial-discrimination/#ixzz27l5k6GU6

Nursing and media

There has been a big interest in the study of popular images of nurses and nursing. Writers have been focused on images of nurses on television, in cinema, in news coverage, and elsewhere. Most of the time, public beliefs of the nursing are shaped by the Images people see on TV. The Stereotypical view of nurses as working only In acute-care, high technology area often portrayed In the media makes It very difficult to provide the different view of nurses working within the community. In reality, stereotypical views of nursing have a negative impact even on nurses who practice in acute care hospitals.Not too many understand that the nurse is there to save patients lives . Most of public see nurses as sweet, kind, attentive and willing to talk, but not especially critical to the effort to rescue them from medical errors and injuries. (Derbyshire & Gordon, n. D. ) We can see fictional portrayals of nurses, for instance â€Å"Scrubs† sitcom. The show character nurse Carla. She is o ften portrayed as strong and competent. She is the only major character on this show I would describe as normal. In one of the episodes a surgeon comments â€Å"Idiot can be a nurse†, and of course, the show instantly hasCarla express her disagreement, but It does not disapprove what a surgeon has said. The other show, Grey s Anatomy portrays nurses In offensive way most of the time. I don't see much respect doctor†enter to the nurses, they don't call them by their names, they yell â€Å"Nurse! † At the end, the hospital finally gave nurses the upper hand. â€Å"Nursing has become more complex in ways that could not have been imaging a generation ago. Nursing and Media Some people may view nursing differently then others. Some may view nursing as negative and some positive. This perception may actually be due to the way the media depicts nursing. One television show or movie may portray the nursing image as loving and caring, where another may portray the image as incompetent or unpleasant. There has been much research conducted over time on the portrayal of nursing in the media and the impact it has on the public’s view. Some research says the public views nursing positively despite the media, while others say the media has a very negative impact on nursing.Whether the media depicts nursing as good or bad, or can influence the public’s views, it is up to the nurses themselves to be aware of their own behaviors and portray nursing positively in real life. People may know the name Florence Nightingale. Nightingale was a nurse seen as an angel due to her work during the Crimean War and is known as the founder of modern nursing. Her imag e embodies the caring fundamentals of nursing. Today, many people may know the name Nurse Jackie – a nurse on a television show portrayed quite differently than Nightingale.Nurse Jackie is seen as a strong-willed nurse who needs the help of narcotics to make it through her day, which is much different from Nightingale’s angelic image. This portrayal raises the question of whether people realize that television shows are fictional and the portrayal of nurses is a dramatic effect and done purely for ratings. Some research has been done to study the affect the media may have on nursing. Peter Buerhaus, PhD, RN conducted a study in 2007 and found that despite less-than-authentic portrayals of nurses on some television shows, the media positively influences public perceptions (Howell, 2010).However, some say that the negative portrayal of nursing in the media actually does influence the public’s perception negatively. Marie Quimba, director of professional studies at Grand Canyon in Phoenix, AZ says that many people, especially the less educated and younger population, are influenced by negative imagery in the media (Muehlauer, 2012). There was also a study conducted by David Stanley who is a senior lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia.The study analyzed the stereotypes on television and found that misrepresentations on television are likely to have a profound effect on the public’s perception. Television brings characters into the living room and the viewer is more likely to associate it with reality (Howell, 2010). If the media does affect the public’s image of nursing in a negative way then the question is raised about how the nursing profession can change the public’s perception of nursing.One thing that the nursing profession can do is to get involved in the media and give feedback and input. Cindy Saver, president of CLS Development, Inc. and a regi stered nurse says that nurses must get involved and have a voice to convey their opinions and desires. Saver also recommends that nurses e-mail and write letters to television producers and contact companies that advertise during certain nurse-oriented programs to voice their pleasure or displeasure (Howell, 2010). Other suggestions include portraying nurses more positively in the media.Recently, Johnson & Johnson conducted an advertising campaign concerning nurses and the nursing profession. One of the Johnson & Johnson ads shows a male nurse singing with a pediatric patient during chemotherapy treatment. These television commercials portray nursing in a positive light. They give nurses much well deserved admiration and may help in having a positive impact on the image of nursing. Other positive portrayals come from media sources such as news stories about nurses assisting during disasters, such as in hurricanes and tornadoes.The media is bound to continue to portray the nursing pr ofession negatively for the purpose of ratings; however, the public’s perception of nurses is a combination of what they see in the media and their real life experience. It is, therefore, incumbent on nurses to both affect media portrayal through letter writing campaigns and also to be aware of their own behaviors and how they portray themselves to the public in their everyday life.

Outsourcing (Australia) essays

Outsourcing (Australia) essays Kraut t a new idea. He sees the concept of outsourcing as an ever-changing process, and notes how we as individuals outsource the things we cannot do ourselves or are too busy to do...Just like companies... The work of Peters, Greer Outsourcing has fostered the concept of core activities staying within an organisation (Domberger 1998). According to the Australian Government Publishing Service (1996), outsourcing is when an organisation opts to have an activity or function performed for them by an external agency, which has overall responsibility for the activity. Directly related to core competency in outsourcing is the desire for increased efficiency. Similarly, Ivancevich (1998) defines outsourcing as the practice of hiring another firm to complete work that is important and must be done efficiently. Mike Johnson (1997) agrees, saying a manager should find the most practical, productive, cost-effective source to getting a job done, a product made, an idea developed. Outsourcing is becoming increasingly important in a constantly changing economy. The Australian Outsourcing Summit 2000 focused on this importance, and on the emergence of outsourcing as a powerful tool for transforming organisations and driving innovation (Corbett 2000). Managers, in searching for ways to streamline th...

An examination of the connection between sexuality and suffering Essay

An examination of the connection between sexuality and suffering - Essay Example Journal du voleur is the closest Genet came to writing a traditional autobiography. As D’Asciano (1998) points out, though his other novels incorporate names from the author's life experience, the focus of these novels is to create mythical characters out of names pulled from Genet’s reality. The character â€Å"Genet† figures in these other novels as the creator/narrator, but it is in the Journal that Genet concentrates on recounting his life experience (D’Asciano, 1998). As White has shown in his biography of Genet, the chronology of events in Journal, while loosely followed, does, in fact, correspond with Genet's life in the late 1930's. What is most important to Genet, however, is not a simple recounting of his life story, but rather the elaboration of his aesthetic preoccupations. It is in this narrative that Genet identifies most clearly his means of literary production, and discusses the relationship of body to text. It is within the context of the stated reality, and as influenced by Genet’s own sexual proclivities, that the theme of sexuality and suffering asserts itself. Traditionally, autobiography is a narrative form that has as its primary theme the recounting of the life of the author. The key element in identifying a narrative as autobiographical is, to use the terminology of Philippe Lejeune (1975, p. 1), the pacte autobiographie By identifying the pacte the ideal reader realises without a doubt that the character denoted by â€Å"I† is indeed a projection of the author on the page. Genet accomplishes this in Journal principally by providing verifiable statistics regarding his â€Å"statut civil,† - his date of birth and the circumstances which surrounded it. ... Genet accomplishes this in Journal principally by providing verifiable statistics regarding his "statut civil," - his date of birth and the circumstances which surrounded it. Though a Genet character exists in Genet's other novels, this information appears only in Journal du voleur. What is most remarkable about this fact is that, rather than stabilizing the identity of the author, by its very nature it destabilises. The fact that Genet was orphaned at a young age, and that he knows only the name of his mother, and not that of his father, puts the author character in an awkward position in a society more patrilineal than most. The Journal is in many ways, an aesthetic treatise, an examination of the ideas and practices that have made Genet a creator. The two fundamental concepts that drive his creation are "beauty," and a vertiginous space that we could call the "vide," or, "nothingness." As may be inferred from Barber's (2004) analysis of Journal, Genet's writing exists in a tense space between the aesthetic attractions of the physical world, and the intellectual imperative of the contemplation of the emptiness of existence. Genet attributes his attraction to the physical world to its beauty. Pinning down a precise meaning of beauty is difficult. In the short entry on "beauty" in the Oxford Companion to Philosophy, Aquinas is quoted as defining beauty as "that which pleases in the very apprehension of it" (Hondrich, 1995, p. 80). This definition, though vague, does point to two components of the assessment of beauty, the observer and the observed. There is no beauty without a subjectivity to apprehend it. The article goes on

Human Rights in Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Rights in Politics - Essay Example An obsessive fear for national security and fear about infiltration of the Government, lead to the intensified scrutiny of CPUSA and other radical political groups. In 1947 President, Harry Truman was instrumental in ushering in a law that permitted authorities to investigate and prosecute federal employees found to be disloyal to the Government. In 1949, 11 top leaders of the CPUSA were convicted under Alien Registration Act (South Act of 1940.), which made it illegal to advocate the violent overthrow of the American Government. In 1950 the Internal Security Act, was promulgated. This act required the registration of communist and communist front organizations. From 1950 to 1954 senator Joseph Mc McCarthy of Wisconsin used congressional investigations to persecute communists. This assumed the proportions of the Salem Witch Craft Trials and grave travesties of justice took place. Even Charlie Chaplin was not spared in this attack on those suspected to be either communists or communis t supporters. This had the effect of producing a drastic reduction in the number of members in the CPUSA. (Microsoft Corporation Encarta Encyclopaedia , Communism. Timothy. J Colton.). On the 11th of September 2001, a most dastardly attack was conducted on the innocent civilians of the USA by Al Qaeda terrorists under the demoniac guidance of their fiendish leader Osama Bin Laden.

Comparing two emperors, one Chinese and one Roman Essay

Comparing two emperors, one Chinese and one Roman - Essay Example The Roman Empire began around 1000BCE and its power began from ruling the ancient villages around the city of Rome. In its earlier years of formation the empire was a monarchy but after the overthrowing of Etruscans in 509 BCE the empire turned to a republic and the Romans started their tyrant rules and governance. This essay will cover only the rule of Julius Caesar since this was the backbone of the success of the empire. The Roman Empire headquarters were in Rome and when Julius Caesar was in power, it conquered parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. It became one of the largest empires in history .   The Han China Empire came to power after overthrowing the Qin whose reign was short lived. Qin had abolished feudalism and thus overthrown by Han who ruled from 140-87 BCE. The ruler of the Han was known as Wu Ti . Unlike the Roman Empire the Han Empire did not start as a monarchy since there were magistrate-rule who ensured who was to be the ruler. There are similarities between Han an d Roman Empires in the essence of size of the empire and the acquirement of land to enlarge their empires. Han Empire used his power in the formation of a unified China, then started taking over the neighboring locations. The difference of the growth and acquisition of more land was not as brutal as that used by the Romans. The growth of the Roman Empire was based on conquering any empire that was beginning to gain power and seemed as a threat to the Roman Empire. This is contrary in comparison of the Han Empire.

Life on the Western Front Essay Example for Free

Life on the Western Front Essay The First World War was a shattering experience for all Europeans, both soldiers and civilians. Memoirs show that soldiers expressed a wide variety of views on the war. Some soldiers enjoyed the war and some hated it, but most were unable to decide how they felt about it. In this essay I will be examining whether or not official accounts of the Western Front more accurate than personal accounts. I will survey several sources and try to draw a conclusion. Soldiers in the war were allowed little correspondence. Their letters and postcards sent home were censored to the point of very little detail. They were only allowed to write about family, friends and their health, as can be seen on the field service postcard, source A1. The honour clause was a statement all soldiers had to sign to confirm they were not writing about anything else other than private family matters. The honour clause also gave the officials permission to examine the contents of the postcard/letter e.g. Green envelope source A2. The officials censored letters and postcards because they didnt want people back home to know too much and also because they didnt want the Germans to accidentally find out their plans. They were able to do this under the defence of the Realm Act 1916. Postcards and letters were limited because the government wanted to maintain high morale on people back home so that recruitment would not be affected. The postcards are useful to historians studying the Western Front because it shows how little time the soldiers had. They also tried to be more optimistic when writing back home to family and friends. This is because they didnt want them to worry too much so tried to keep a happy tone in their letters. I personally think letters in the personal section give the most information about trench life because in the official account the trenches are shown as they are meant to be, not as they actually are. Whereas in the personal account soldiers describe what the trenches are like. About six feet in depth, they were floored with duckboards and were wide enough for two men to pass comfortably. Some of the letters in the personal account are similar. Many soldiers wrote about the same things i.e. light-hearted happy conversations. I got your letter today and you seem quite cheery so as long as Doras all right alls well with the world. So as to not worry their family and friends. The letters and postcards in the official and personal section do not give off the same impression of life on the Western Front. For example, Teddy Bennett who was a second lieutenant of the twenty-ninth battalion of the Machine Gun Corps described the trenches as eighteen inches and only three feet deep , only big enough for a drain pipe. But George Coppard wrote that the trenches were in very good condition and were about six feet in depth enough for two men to pass through comfortably. These two clearly show that trenches varied in condition. The majority of soldiers used the same tone and wrote about similar things effectively censoring themselves. The letters and postcards do not give the same impression of life on the Western Front as other sources. The other sources i.e. photos showed soldiers dieing cruel deaths and suffering from severe injuries and diseases. I dont think this type of evidence, personal and official, gives a totally accurate view of life on the Western Front but they are useful as evidence of soldiers feelings and opinions. Official war artists were commissioned by the government to paint pictures/images of the war. Fortunino Matanaia and C.R Nevinson are examples of war artists. Paul Nash was a front line soldier for four months in 1917 but was sent home after an accident. He was then sent back to the Western Front as an official war artist. He was ordered not to show any dead bodies in his pictures. He gave off a peaceful and honourable impression of the war. The content of some of the paintings in the official section are not reliable because they censored dead bodies. I dont think these paintings in the official section are an expression of opinion because the artists were told what to hide what to draw. The painting by John Singer showing soldiers blinded by gas seems fairly accurate to me because it was painted in 1918 and during that time many soldiers suffered from tear gas that caused temporary blindness. The painting is very similar to source A5, a photo. I think source A4, the photo showing two British troops in anti -phosgene masks manning a Vickers machine-gun, was posed to show those back home that anti-phosgene masks were provided for soldiers so more volunteers would sign up to join the army. I think it was posed because until after 1916 there were no more volunteers and conscription was introduced. My feelings towards source A9, a photo of two men badly disabled from the war which might have been used for propaganda purposes, is sympathy. But soldiers would not want pity because they felt proud. This is one of the differences of the two generations. I think that they feel the need to smile to show they are strong and they probably think they have to put on a brave face so their loved-ones wont worry. Sources B9-B13 are more gruesome compared to the sources in the official account. The reasons for the difference are officials wanted to conceal all the gruesome deaths that the British soldiers had and only took photos of their peaceful deaths. I think photos, official and personal, are quite accurate as source of information on the Western Front for a variety of purposes. Punch was a British humorous political magazine. It contained anti-German propaganda. The main purpose of political cartoons is to get a message across in a more entertaining way. I think source A10 is very useful to historians studying soldiers attitudes to life on the Western Front because it shows that soldiers were pessimistic and found trench life difficult to handle. I dont think source A13 is reliable. This is because the cartoon was taken from a British political magazine and the Germans were the enemy so they would have wanted to make the Germans look bad. There are a few hints of bias in sources A14 and A15, for example Our operations, in conjunction with the French, definitely stopped the German attack, and it has not since been removed. and We progressed North Poziers and hear High wood and Delville extremely severe enemy losses. This is because the articles were written by the British and also because they were official. Based on what I have read I dont think cartoons an d newspaper are reliable. Although it is useful for historians studying soldiers humour. The most famous war poets are Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. Seigfried Sassoon serviced was an officer who suffered from shell shock and had come to the conclusion that the War was pointless. He was sent home on sick leave in 1916. During his second visit to France his views on war became more doubtful about the way in which war was being conducted from a military point of view. By July 1916 he was well enough to return to duty but he couldnt bring himself to do so, so he wrote a statement which he regarded as an act of wilful defiance of military authority. The officials found this hilarious and he was ordered to attend a Medical Board at Chester in July 16th but he failed to attend. A Second Board was arranged at Liverpool on July 20th, which he attended and it was recommended that he be sent to Craiglockhart. Wilfred Owen spent the winter on 1916-7 on the front line but was then sent home on sick leave. He returned to the front on 1st September 1918 and was killed on 4th November, seven days before the war ended. He was awarded the Military Cross. Many of the poems were about warfare and the effects of gas and bombardment. For example Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen tells the story of a phosgene gas attack as troops were making their way back from the front line. This poem is backed up by source A5. It is possible that these poems are exaggerated because the soldiers might have been suffering from depression and by writing these poems they were drowning their sorrows. I dont think the poems are inaccurate because they are from soldiers views. Many of the poems are making a specific point i.e. Does it Matter and For the Fallen written by Siegfried Sassoon. The poem Suicide in the trenches by Siegfried Sassoon tells the story of a simpler soldier boy who fought in the war and couldnt cope so committed suicide expresses anti-war sentiment. The poem Returning, we hear the larks written by Isaac Rosenberg also expresses anti-war sentiment. In the poem Dulce et Decorum Est the title is Latin saying Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mori meaning It is sweet and noble to die for your country. I think it is used in the last line because the soldiers die in the end and the poet is saying it is sweet and noble of them. Also to highlight the wrong. Overall, these poems are quite accurate as evidence of life on the Western Front because they are soldiers points of views and this was the only way they were allowed to express their feelings. Siegfried Sassoon was decided as having mental illnesses because he didnt agree with the way war was conducted. As a result of this he was admitted into a mental hospital to be treated for shell shock. My opinion of the war poets are they were all depressed and found war difficult so they wrote poems to show this. I think they can be relied upon as they are the thoughts and feelings of soldiers. Which cannot be ignored and tend to highlight the variety of experience on the Western Front. The conditions of the trenches were often very bad. The mud was often deep and became very muddy whenever it rained. The trenches were lined with sandbags and collapsed as they filled with water causing the sides to rupture. The trenches were always shelled by enemy artillery which destroyed the sandbags and sides of the trenches so needed frequent repair. Barbed wire lined the outside of the trenches to keep the enemy from attacking. Many soldiers experienced illnesses and diseases whilst living in the trenches. Trench foot was a common disease which many soldiers got by standing in mud for too long. To prevent this from spreading the soldiers rubbed whale oil on to their feet everyday. Being bitten by lice was also very common in the trenches. They tried to prevent this by running a lighted candle along the seams of their clothing but this only killed the lice, not their eggs. The lice carried a disease called trench fever. I think sources A9, B3, B13 would be most useful to historians wanting to find out about the morale of the soldiers. The people today view the war a lot differently compared to the people who lived through it. When you step back and take a closer look at the picture you see things differently. Overall, I have a fairly accurate view of life on the Western Front from looking at personal and official accounts. I have found both, official and personal, accounts useful. I cant really put together an accurate picture of what life on the Western Front was actually like using personal accounts because the soldiers may not remember what happened to give an accurate description and would be bias against Germans. The official account has been censored so that also is not really reliable. Therefore I think that by looking at both accounts would give a clearer picture.